Ivan Ivanovich Shuvalov was called the Maecenas (patron) of the Russian Enlightenment, the first Russian Minister of Education and Active Privy Councillor (1773). Russia's first theatre, university, and academy of arts were instituted with his active participation. A favorite of Elizaveta Petrovna of Russia; friend of the scientist M.V. Lomonosov.
Ivan Shuvalov by Anton Losenko
View of Ivan Shuvalov's art gallery.
Elizabeth or Elizaveta Petrovna reigned as Empress of Russia from 1741 until her death in 1762. She remains one of the most popular Russian monarchs because of her decision not to execute a single person during her reign, her numerous construction projects, and her strong opposition to Prussian policies.
The ceremonial attire of Elizabeth, Catherine Palace, Tsarskoye Selo; fot. Ivonna Nowicka
Young Elizabeth in the 1720s, painted by Ivan Nikitich Nikitin.
Peter II and Princess Elizabeth Petrovna Riding to Hound by Valentin Serov